Perfect Patios for Al-Fresco Dining

visit canyon kitchen in jackson county

Perfect Patios for Al-Fresco Dining

On nice summer evenings when temperatures drop down with the sun, and the mountain breeze picks up, there is no better place to dine in Jackson County than in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you’re looking for a table for the whole family to try some delicious local fare, a romantic date night under the stars or a cool place to enjoy a flight of craft beer, there are plenty of dining options to set the perfect scene in the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva.

Beat the Heat in the NC Mountains

Beat the Heat in the NC Mountains

Y’all, it’s hot outside! Summer is a delightful time of the year and although the temperatures may be peaking, there is a place not too far away where you can escape and beat the heat of summer. The North Carolina Mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva not only offer a wide array of outdoor adventure options to explore, but they also provide the ideal temperatures to enjoy them comfortably. While urban cities can expect an average August temperature of 90-plus degrees, morning temperatures in Jackson County start around 60 degrees and in higher elevations maintain a comfortable mid-70s all day long.

This is Why you Should Visit the Hammock Adventure Capital of the U.S.A

Waterrock Knob Hammock

This is Why you Should Visit the Hammock Adventure Capital of the U.S.A

Nothing better represents the combination of adventure and recreation than the parachute hammock. Whether you’re looking for a place to hang while watching the sun set over the mountains, resting after a rigorous hike, reading your favorite book, or snuggling with your pup, Jackson County offers stunning and secluded hammock hotspots worth seeking and sharing. Home to the most named summits in the state, (185 to be exact), jaw-dropping vistas, Jackson County contains all you could want in a mountain escape. Venture to this natural paradise with a hammock in tow and find out why Jackson County is the official “Hammock Adventure Capital of the U.S.A.”

Virtual Tour of the Western North Carolina Mountains – Part Two

Virtual Tour of the Western North Carolina Mountains – Part Two

For the time being, travel may be on hold, but that doesn’t stop daydreaming and getting inspiration for a trip. Since you can’t come to us right now, we wanted to bring the Western North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva to you, to enjoy in the comfort and safety of your own home. We invite you to satisfy the urge to travel with a virtual tour and 360-degree viewing experience of our most awe-inspiring attractions, vistas and views.

48-Hour Field Guide to Jackson County

48-Hour Field Guide to Jackson County

Looking for a quick weekend getaway or mid-week escape? Search no further than the scenic and adventurous NC mountain towns of Jackson County. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Jackson County, is made up of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva and is a short three-hour drive from most of the Southeast’s biggest cities, making it ideal for your next adventure. To help you make the most out of your trip and experience as much as possible while visiting, check out this field guide on how to best plan your 48 hours in Jackson County during our “Secret Season.”

Book Your Next Active Adventure in Jackson County

Book your next active adventure in Jackson County

Book Your Next Active Adventure in Jackson County

With a new year and a new decade underway, many are gearing up for 2020 with a wealth of resolutions for better health and wellness in the coming months. As luck would have it, the Western NC Mountain Towns of Jackson County are the ideal places to kick off those resolutions. After all, the area is home to 494-square miles of adventure and relaxation that will keep you engaged, focused, and motivated to stick to your resolutions. With so many activities available, creating a custom itinerary tailored to your wants, needs and goals couldn’t be easier to do here. Plus, given that it’s our “Secret Season,” the crowds have thinned out, so you have more space to get up and get active, mountain style! Gear up for mountain biking Home to miles of multi-use trails, mountain biking is a great, low-stress way to get the blood pumping and the heart racing as you zip and zoom up and down the mountain. A great place to start is Fire Mountain Trails, just 20 minutes from Sylva in Cherokee. Here, mountain bikers will find more than 10.5 miles of trails featuring fun berms, more than 20 switchbacks in a single run, and exciting elevation changes. Another fun spot for the family is the Jackson County Kids’ Bike Park at Tuck Greenway located along the Tuckasegee River Greenway. The 750-foot bike trail features berms, tabletop jumps, pumps and an inner gravel track for younger kids. Get your hike on Throughout Jackson County, hikers […]

Best Views for Experiencing Fall in Jackson County

Best Views for Experiencing Fall in Jackson County

Autumn has finally arrived in the Southeast, bringing with it cooler temps and spectacular fall foliage. Known for sweeping mountain views, the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County are expecting spectacular color this year. Whether this is your first or hundredth time visiting Jackson County, now is the best time to plan a trip to enjoy all the beauty the region has to offer. The best time to experience the fall colors with lighter crowds is during the week. Monday through Wednesday is the ideal time to plan your stay to receive the lowest rates, experience smaller crowds and have the colorful views to yourself thanks to the lightest foot traffic of the season. In addition, there will be low wait times at resident favorite restaurants, less traffic resulting in shorter drive times between attractions and more one-on-one time with the people that make Jackson County so special at locally-owned businesses. So, go ahead and take advantage of those unused vacation days to get the best out of the fall season here! Due to Jackson County’s geographic location between 2,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level, fall’s colors last well over a month here, ranging from early October to mid-November. Plus, the area’s mild temperatures lend themselves to a very vibrant season, with prolonged color in the lower elevations. Best views for fall hues Throughout Jackson County, you’ll find a wide array of opportunities to experience the brightest fall color. Whether biking, hiking or driving, you’ll find elevated […]

8 Insider Tips to Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains

Fall Lake Scene

8 Insider Tips to Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains

Listed as one of the “Top 10 Destinations for Fall Foliage,” by USA Today, the Western NC mountain towns of Jackson County are a must-visit for a seasonal getaway. According to WCU Biologist, Beverly Collins, “the mountains of Western North Carolina should produce a typically bright display of fall leaf color this year.” Beginning in early September, vibrant reds, yellows and oranges will start lining the towns surrounding peaks and inviting guests from all over to experience fall in these cozy, quaint mountain towns. Although well-known for our popular hikes, waterfalls and outdoor adventures, the area is also home to incredible sights and hidden experiences that are more under the radar. Some of the best parts of a visit to the area during the fall months involve attractions that may be more off the beaten path. Here are eight insider tips to fully experience fall in Jackson County. 1. Uncover the best spots for viewing fall foliage. Given Jackson County is home to the most named peaks in North Carolina, it’s no wonder also has the best locations for viewing the autumnal hues when fall arrives. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in search of overlooks to take in the spectacular sights. A few favorites include Richland Balsam and Waterrock Knob. Another breathtaking view awaits high atop Whiteside Mountain. Set out on the Whiteside Mountain Trail to find yourself surrounded by glorious fall foliage. Another popular spot for leaf-lookers is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can check […]

Pack a Picnic and Enjoy the Views in the N.C. Mountains

Pack a Picnic and Enjoy the Views in the N.C. Mountains

From hiking and biking to fishing and camping, there’s so much to do in and around the mountain towns of Jackson County during the summertime, it is hard to beat as the perfect summer getaway. Along with endless adventures, the area is home to an excellent al fresco dining scene with places for picnics, patios and more to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors and take in the area’s beautiful natural surroundings.